Clothes-washing machine



Oct. 7, 1952 p, c s- 2,612,769

CLOTHES -WASHING MACHINE Filed Dec. 19, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet l.

Inventor George I? Castner Oct. 7, 1952 G. P. CASTNER 2,612,769

CLOTHES-WASHING MACHINE PRESSURE RELEASE BUTTON E I Inventor POWER SOURCE George P Casmer Atty s.

Patented Oct. 7, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,612,769 9 CLOTHES-WASHING MACHINE George P. Castner, Webster City, Iowa I Application December 19, 1949, Serial No. 133,900

(Cl. sa -21) 7 Claims.

The present invention relates to clothes washing machines, and more particularly to improved clothes washing machines of the character of that disclosed in the copending application of George P. Castner, Serial No. 124,869, filed November 1, 1949.

Fundamentally, the clothes washing machine disclosed in the Castner application mentioned comprises a tub including upstanding front and rear end walls and a connecting tubular side wall, and an upstanding flexible diaphragmarranged in the tub and secured about the perimeter thereof to an intermediate portion of the side wall, the diaphragm being movable from a normal concave position disposed adjacent to the rear end of the side Wall and the rear end wall toan operated convex position disposed adjacent to the front end of the side wall and the front end wall. The diaphragm in its concave position cooperates with the front end of the side wall and the front end wall to define a compartment therebetween adapted to contain clothes and cleansing liquid, and the front end of the side wall has an opening formed in the upper portion thereof rendering the compartment accessible from theexterior, a door being provided that is mounted for movements between opened and closed positions with respect to the opening. Also the diaphragm cooperates with the rear end of the side wall and the rear end wall to define a chamber therebetween adapted to receive liquid under pressure. An upstanding perforated Wall is arranged in the front of the compartment adjacent to the front end wall and spaced rearwardly with respect thereto to define an upstanding space therebetween, a drain conduit being provided that commu'nicates with the lower portion of the compartment in the upstanding space noted. An upstanding substantially disk-like dasher is arranged in the front of the compartment adjacent to the perforated wall and mounted upon the front end wall for operation. The dasher is operated by rotation thereof unidirectionally in order to produce a washing action upon the clothes in the compartment, and the diaphragm when moved from its normal position into its operated position produces a squeezing action upon the clothes in the compartment in order to express the cleansing liquid therefrom, the clothes being squeezed between the diaphragm and the perforated Wall and the dasher.

Further, the machine comprises an electric drive motor, a liquid pump, first clutch mechanism disposed between the motor and the dasher, second clutch mechanism disposed be tween the motor and the liquid pump, valve to efiect selective engagement and disengagement of the clutch mechanisms and to effect selective settings of the valve mechanism so that the dasher may be selectively operated and so that liquid may be, pumped into or out of the chamber in order to bring about selective movements of thediaphragm between its normal and operated positions. In the arrangement, ordinary tap water employed as the liquid or hydraulic medium for controlling the movements of the diaphragm.

While this machine is highly satisfactory in operation, the amount of tap water that is required to control the movements of the diaphragm to carry out the wash water and rinse water extracting operations therein renders the over-all operation of the machine somewhat more expensive than is desirable.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present inventionto provide "a clothes Washing machinev of the type described that employs compressed air as a fluid medium for the purposeof selectivelycontrolling the movements of the diaphragm.

Another object of the invention is to provide in aclothes washing machine of the type noted, anarrangement including an air compressor and a storage tank operatively connected thereto and valve mechanism for selectively connecting the chamber disposed adjacent to. the

diaphragm to the storage tank and to the atmosphere, whereby compressed air may be stored in the, tank during awashing or rinsing operation and then subsequently used in the chamber in order to effect movement of the diaphragm from its normal position into its operated position duringa wash water or rinse Water extracting operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washing machine of the type understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a clothes washing machine embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the machine shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the machine, taken longitudinally of the tub in the direction of the arrows along the line 4-4 in Fig. 5; Fig. 5 is another enlarged vertical sectional view of the machine, taken transversely of the tub in the direction of the arrows along the line 5-5 in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a greatly enlarged plan view of a manually operable control dial that may be incorporated in the machine shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive; Fig. '7 is an electrical diagram of a manual control system that may be incorporated in the machine shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive; and Fig. 8 is an electrical diagram of .a semiautomatic control system that may be incorporated in the machine shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, of the drawings, there is illustrated a clothes washing machine ID of the general character of that disclosed in the previously mentioned Castner application and embodying the features of the present invention. The machine I comprises an upstanding :base II carrying on the upper portion thereof an upstanding tub I2. The base II comprises front and rear walls I3 and I4, side walls I and I6 and a bottom wall IT. The bottom wall I! has an enlarged centrally disposed opening I8 formed therein, and is provided ad- Jacent to the corners thereof with downwardly depressed feet I9 adapted to engage a supporting floor, or the like. The top of the base II is open in order that the upper portion thereof may receive and enclose the lower portion of the tub I2 carried thereby as explained more fully hereinafter. The tub I2 comprises cooperating front and rear cup-shaped sections and 2| secured together in facing liquid-tight relation by cooperating inner and outer rings or bands 22 and 23 secured together by a series of screws 24. The front section 20 comprises an upstanding front wall 25 and a connected rearwardly directed tubular side wall 26; while the rear section 2| comprises an upstanding rear wall 21 and a connected forwardly directed tubular side wall 28. The tubular side wall 26 comprises a laterally extending substantially flat forwardly and downwardly sloping top wall 29, two downwardly directed side walls 30 and 3| and an arcuate bottom wall 32; while the tubular side wall 28 comprises a laterally extending substantially flat horizontal top wall 33,, two downwardly directed side walls 34 and 35 and an arcuate bottom wall 35. Accordingly, the rear edges or ends of the walls 29, 30, 3| and 32 of the front section 20 and the front edges or ends of the walls 33, 34, 35 and 36 of the rear section 2| are secured together in liquid-tight-relation by the rings 22 and 23.

The bottom walls 32 and 36 respectively carry two laterally extending and longitudinally spacedapart brackets 31 and 38 that may be secured thereto by welding, or the like, which brackets 37 and 33 are suitably secured to a longitudinally extending supporting plate 39 arranged below the tub I2. The opposite ends of the supporting plate 39 are carried upon two laterally extending substantially L-shaped members 40 and 4| respectively secured to the front wall I3 and to the rear wall I4 by two series of screws 42 and 43. The members 40 and M are arranged within the base I and receive the opposite ends of the supporting plate 39 as noted above, whereby the supporting plate 39, as well as the tub I2, are supported in position within the upper portion of the base II. Thus, the lower portion of the tub I2 is enclosed within the upper portion of the base II and cooperates with the bottom wall IT to define a machinery compartment 44 in the lower portion of the base I I. The upper edges of the front and rear walls I3 and I4 are inwardly curved as indicated at 45 and 46 in order to engage the'respective front and rear walls 25 and 21; and similarly the upper edges of the side walls I5 and I6 are inwardly curved and folded back upon themselves as indicated at 4'! and 48 in order to engage the opposite sides of the bottom walls 32 and 36.

A substantially laterally extending rectangular opening 49 is formed substantially centrally in the top wall 29 of the front section 20 in order to render the interior of the tub I 2 accessible from the exterior. The opening 49 is surrounded by an inwardly directed marginal throat 50 and is provided with a door 5| movable between open and closed positions with respect thereto. The door 5| includes inner and outer sheets 52 and 53 suitably secured together and mounted upon two laterally spaced-apart hinge mechanisms 54 of any suitable type. Also, the door 5| comprises latch mechanism indicated generally at 55 and comprising a rotatably mounted handle 56 that controls the sliding movements of two associated latch elements 51 that cooperate with the throat 50 in order securely to latch the door 5| in its closed position. It will be understood that the door 5| ,is normally latched in its closed position and that it is necessary first to rotate the handle 56 in order to release the latch mechanism 55 before the door 5| may be moved from its closed position into its open position. Subsequently, when the door 5| is moved from its open position back into its closed position the latch mechanism 55 operates automatically to latch the door '51 in its closed position.

Arranged within the tub I2 is an upstanding flexible substantially cup-shaped diaphragm 58 formed of rubber, or the like, and includin what may be termed an end wall 59 and a flange wall 60, the marginal edge or perimeter of the flange Wall 60 being clamped between the rings 22 and 23. The diaphragm 58 has a normal concave position in which it conforms substantially to the interior surface of the rear section 2| of the tub I2. In its concave position the diaphragm .58 cooperates with the front section 20 to define a compartment'BI within the tub I2, and cooperates with the rear section 2| to define a chamber .62 within the tub 12, the compartment 6| and the chamber 62 being separated from each other by the diaphragm -58. The compartment 6| is accessible from the exterior through the opening 49 when the door 5| occupies its open position and is adapted to receive cleansing liquid and clothes to be washed.

Also arranged within the compartment 6| adjacent to the rearwardly of the front wall 25 is an upstanding perforated wall or plate 63, the configuration of the plate 63 conforming substantially to that of the front wall 25. The plate 63 may be formed of one-piece die cast construction or pressed directly from a fairly heavy gauge of stainless steel, or the like, the plate 63 being perforated by the provision of a number of holes 65 therein. Further, the position ofthe plate '53 spaced rearwardly with respect to the front wall is maintained by a series of spaced-apart stanchions disposed therebetween, the front ends of the stanchions 65 being suitably secured to the adjacent face of the front wall 25and' the rear ends of the stanchions 65 being suitably secured in aligned openings provided in the-plate 53. Accordingly, the upstanding front wall 25 and theupstanding plate 63 define an upstanding Space 66 therebetween,- with which space 66 a downwardly extendin drain conduit 81 provided in the bottom wall 322 communicates.

A forwardly directed substantially annularemboss 68 is formed in the upper central portion of the plate 63 in order to provide a substantially circular recess 69 surrounded-thereby, the centers of the emboss 68 and of the recess 68 being substantially coincident with each other-and with the arc of the bottom walls 32 ancl-tdof the respective sections 20 and 2| of-the'tublzt A disk-like dasher plate '10 is arranged within the recess 69 and mounted upon the rear end of an operating shaft H that extends throughaligned openings respectively formed in the-front wall 25 and in the plate 63. crating shaft H is supported and journaled for rotation substantially along the longitudinal axis of the tub [2 in bearing structure including complementary sections 12 and 73 respectively disposed interiorly and exteriorly of the front wall 25 adjacent to the center of the emboss lifi, whereby the sections 72 and 13 provide a liquidtight jointsurrounding the opening provided in the front wall 25 and preventing the escape from the tub l2 of wash liquid along the operating carries on its front face three relatively-shallow v outstanding vanes i5, 16 and 11, the vane 75 being disposed on one side of the center ofrota tion of the dasher plate 7!! and thevaneslfi and 1'! being disposed on the other side of, the center of rotation of the dasher plate Hi and in radial spaced-apart relation withrespect to each other. The vanes 15, 16 and 7-! are removed from the center of rotation of the dasher plate 78 ,and extend in a crosswise to radial direction withrespect to the center of rotation thereof, eachsof the vanes l5, l6 and 77 being tapered and provided with leading and trailingendswith respect to the direction of rotation of the dasher plate 10 so that the leading end of each-'varieis closer than the trailing end thereofto the front face of the dasher plate 10. For example;.the leading ends of the vanes 15, 16and Tl marked L may be in the plane of the front; -face 1of the dasher plate 70, while the trailing ended the vanes marked T may be disposedgoutwardly therefrom, the taper being-continuous :between the ends L and ,T. Also, a shallow recess 13 is provided in the front. face of thedasher plate 10 between the vanes 16 and TL'this recess 73 assisting in the release of the clothes *from the front face of the dasher plate 70 as explained more fully hereinafter. .The central-portion of the dasher plate 10 is provided with a forwardly directed boss 19 having a hole 86 therein that receives the rear end of the operatingshaftu'll =88 to the drain fixture 86.

More particularly, the op- 6 as previously noted. nular resilient element 81 formed of rubber, or the like, is suitably secured-upon the peripheral edge of the dasher plate"!!! in order to prevent working of the clothes containedin the tub i2 betweenthe dasher plate 10 and the plate 63 and the consequent breakage of-buttons, or the like, carried upon the clothes.'

' Arranged within the upstanding space 66 between the front wall 25 and the plate 63 are an inlet conduit 82 and an overflow conduit 83. The upper openv end of the overflow conduit'83 establishes the normal liquid level in the compartment 6i as indicated by the broken line 84, which level is disposed somewhat above the upper portion of the dasher' plate'lll The lower end of the overflow conduit 83 projects through the bottom wall 32 into the machinery compartment 44- and.:is connected by'a section of flexible hose 85 to a drain fixture 86'. Also, a solenoid controlled valve 81 is arranged in the drain conduit 61, and the lower end of the drain conduit 57 is'connected by ashort section of flexible hose The upper end of the inlet conduit 82 is. curved outwardly toward the sidewall 3| and terminates somewhat above the normal liquid level indicated by the broken line 84; whilethe lower end of the inlet conduit 82 projects through the. .bottom wall 32 the machinery ,Y compartment 44; Aninlet valve mechanism 89 is arranged in themachinery compartment 44 and comprises a casing 90 including a hot water supply pipe 9!, a cold water supply pipe 92 and an outletpipe 93, the outlet pipe 93 being connected to the .lower end of the'inlet conduit 82. Further, the inlet valve mechanism 8971s solenoid controlled including a hot water solenoid .94 and -a cold water solenoid fls The pipes 91 and 92 project through a suitable opening, not shown, provided in the rear wall i l and are suitably detachably connected respectively to a source of hot-zwater and to a source of cold water in'the laundry room. 'Of course, it will be appreciated that hot and cold valves, not shown, are arrangedin the casing 90 of the inlet valve mechanism '89 that are respectively con trolled by the hot water solenoid 9 and by the cold water solenoiddlii; Also arranged-in'the machinery compartment 44' is a drain pump- 95' that is provided with a casing 91 having: inlet and outlet connections 98 and 99. Theinlet'connectionfifl is suitably con nected by a-short section of flexible hose M0 to. the drain fixtureyflfiy. and the outlet connection 89 is suitably connected by a short section of fiexible hose, .not shown, to a drain pipe iill.

The drain pipe. lfliialso extends through the opening, not shown, provided in the rear wall" I land is. suitably connected'to drain plumbing,

such,z-for example, as a 'laundry tray, in the laundryroom. v

In vie'w of the foregoing description of the wa' ter 'sup'ply and drain system that is incorporated in "the machine. I 0', it Willbe-understood that when 9| through the casing 913 of the inlet valve mechanism 8'9' into the inlet conduit 82 and is thus delivered into'sthe compartment 6! provided in the Also a substantially anof the solenoids. 9t. and

95am. energized warm water is supplied via. the inlet. conduit. 32 into the compartment; GI as a result of the mixins of the hot water and the coldwatcr in the. casing 30 of the inlet valve mechanism 39.. The valves: controlled by the solenoids 3.4: and 95; are. normally biased into their closed positions; and are,.accordingly, operated into their closed positions. when the respective solenoids: 94 and 3.5 are de-energized. The water that is supplied into the compartment GI accumulates therein until the head thereof rises to the normal level indicatedby the broken line. 84, whereupon. any further water supplied into the compartment 61 overflows through the overflow conduit "and is; delivered via the drain fixture 86 into the casing 91 of the drain pump 96; whereby, the overflowing water is pumped by the operating drain. pump. 33' through the drain pipe IN to the exterior. The'solenoid control valve 81 is normally biasedinto its closed position; however, when the. solenoid 81 thereof is energized it. is operated into. its. open position, whereby the water contained in the compartment 6| is drained through the drain conduit. 31 into the drain fixture 8.6 and is thence pumped by the operating drain pump 96 through the drain pipe IOI to the exterior. Thus it will be understood that the overflow conduit 83 establishes the normal level of the water in the compartment. 6.1 and both the. water overflowed from the compartment GI via the overflow conduit. 83, and the. water drained from the compartment. tI via the drain conduit 61 are pumped bythe drain pump 96 through the drain pipe II'IIv to the exterior of the machine I0.

Also arranged within the machinery compartment 44 is an electric motor I02 of any suitable type that is preferably operative by a commercial source of 60 cycle 110 volts A.. C. supply, the base of the motor I02 being suitably. secured to. the supporting plate 39. The motor I02. includes a rotor provided with an operatin shaft, not shown, that projects from the. opposite end bells thereof, the front and rear ends of the operating shaft respectively terminating in two solenoidcontrolled clutch mechanisms I03: and I04, also suitably carried bythesupporting plate 3.8. A stub shaft I is suitably jburnalled in a bearing hanger I05 that is also carried bythe supporting plate 39, the rear end of the stub shaft I05'terminating in the clutch mechanism I03 and the front end of the stub. shaft I05 having a pulley I01 rigidly secured thereto. The front end of the stub shaft I05 extends through an opening I08 formed in the front wall I3,'whereby the pulley I01 is disposed forwardly of the front wall I3 and below and in alignment with the pulley 14. The pulleys I4 and I01 are of the. v-belt. type. and are interconnected by a. V-belt drive connection I09. The pulleys 14 and I01 and the V-belt I08 are enclosed in a hood IIO removably secured to the front walls 25 and I3 by an arrangement including a plurality of screws III. The-screws III extend through openings providedin the hood H0, the inner ends of the screws III being threaded into tapped holes provided in certain of the stanchions 65. g

Also, two aligned stub. shafts [I2 and" H3 are arranged within the machinery compartment 44,.

he front end of the Stub shaft. IIZ terminating in the clutch mechanism I04 and the rear end of the stub shaft H2 being suitably J'ournaled in a bearing hanger I I4. that is carried by the supporting plate 39. The adjacent ends of the stub shafts I I2 and I I3 are operatively connected to the comnonent. elements of a fluid drive or coupling unit Ill. For example. the rear end of the stub shaft H2 may be connected. to the bladed element of the. unit H5 and the front end of the stub shaft I I3 may be connected to the casing, indicated at H6, of the unit H5, the casing II6 containing a suitable quantity of hydraulic medium, such, for example, as oil. Further, an air compressor H1 is arranged within the machinery compartment 44 and carried by the supporting plate 39, the air compressor II1 being provided with a rotor having an operating shaft II8, the. front end of the operating shaft II8 being connected to the adjacent rear end of the stub shaft II3 by a coupling element. 3. The rotor, not shown, of the drain pump 36. directly surrounds and is rigidly secured to the operating shaft, not shown, of the motor I02, whereby the drain pump 96 is operated any time operation of the motor I02 is initiated.

Arranged within the lower portion of the machinery compartment 44 are two laterally spacedapart. substantially cylindrical storage tanks I20 and Ill connected together by a pipe I22. The air compressor Ill may be of any suitable type and comprises a casing I23 having inlet ports, not shown, communicating with the atmosphere, and discharge ports that are connected by a conduit I24 to the. tank I20, a check valve I25 being included in the conduit I24. A conduit I26 is connected to the. tank I21 and extends to a solenoid controlled inlet valve I21 that is also connected to a. conduit I28. The inlet valve I21 is normally biased into its closed position and is provided with an operating solenoid I21; while the conduit I 28 is. connected by a fixture I29 secured within a depression I30 formed in the lower portion of the bottom wall 36 to the chamber 62. Also, the conduit I28 is connected to a solenoid controlled exhaust valve I3I, that, in turn, is connected to an exhaust conduit I32 communicating with the atmosphere. The valve I3I is normally biased into its closed position and is provided with an operating solenoid I3I. Further, an adjustable relief or safety valve I33 is connected to the conduit I28 and to a conduit I34 that communicates with the atmosphere. It will be understood that the relief valve I33 is adjustable in order to permit the establishment of a predetermined pressure within the conduit I28, whereby the relief valve I33 is selectively 0perated to its open and closed positions in response to pressures of the air in the conduit I 28 respectively above and below the predetermined pressure mentioned. Further, a pressure responsive safety switch, generally indicated at I35, conununicates with the conduit I28, the switch I35 being adjustable and including contact structure selectively operative between closed and open positions in response to a gauge pressure in the conduit I28. Finally, a pressure responsive snap actingswitch, generally indicated at I36, communicates with the tank I20, the switch I36 being adjustable and including contact structure that is selectively operative with a sna action between closed and open positions in response to a predetermined pressure in the tank I20.

Finally, the machine I0 comprises a program selector switch I31 and a push button switch I38. both arranged within the machinery compartment 44, the switch I31 being mounted on the right-hand side of the front wall I3 and the switch I38 being mounted on the left-hand side of the front wall I3. The program selector switch I31 is of the manually operable type including a rotatably mounted operating shaft I39 '9 projecting through an opening provided'in the front wall I3 and carrying a control dial I40. The push button switch I 38 is of'the manually operable type and includes a push button I4I projecting through an opening provided in thefront wall I3 and operable from the exterior of the machine It). As best shown in Fig. 6, the control dial I45 comprises a substantially centrally disposed knob portion I52 and'an outwardly flared skirt I43 carrying indicia that cooperates with an index pointer I44 mounted adjacent thereto upon the outer'surface of the front wall I3.

In the machine II) the base II may be formed of sheet steel and of wrap-around construction: and likewise the hood I I may be formed of sheet steel and of die-pressed construction. Preferably; the sections 20 and 2I of the tub I2, as well as the component elements of the door} 5I, are formed of corrosion resistant material; such. for example, as stainless steel. Finallygthe base II and the hood 9I may be provided with an exterior finish of white enamel, or the like. The machine Ill is readily portable, and as a constructional example the tub I2 may have substantially the following dimensions. The distance between the rear wall 21 and the center of the ring 22 may be 7 inches; the distance between the center of the.

ring 22 and the front wall 25 maybe-8 inches and the plate 53 maybe spaced 1 inch rearwardly or the front wall 25. The are of the bottomwalls 52 and 36 may be on a 9" radius, whereby the side Walls 3!I3I and 34- -35 are'spaced from each other 18 inches. Further, the side walls34 and may extend upwardly 11 inches above the center line of the operating shaft II to join the horizontal top wall 33; while the side walls 30 and 3| extend upwardly suitably above the center line of the operating shaft II to join the forwardly sloping top wall 29. Finally, thefr ont portion of the top wall 29'may be disposed 1 /2 inches below the rear portion thereof toprovide the forward slope noted. f

For the purpose of controlling the operation of the washing machine Ill an electric circuit network is incorporated therein, which circuitnetwork may be either of the manually governed type, as illustrated in Fig. "7,'or of the semi-auto matically governed type, as illustrated in Fig. 8. Considering the manually governed circuit network illustrated in Fig. 7, the program selector switch I3! is provided with seven insulating co'n-'--- trol cams CI to Cl, inclusive, rigidly secured tov the operating shaft I39 thereof and respectively cooperating with seven control switches SI to TS?) inclusive. Also, the operating shaft I39 of the program selector switch I3! is capable of limited longitudinal movement and cooperates" with-fa master switch MS, whereby the master switch MS is operated into its open position by an insulator I55 carried by the inner end .of'the op-' erating shaft I39 when the control'dial I lllfiis pressed inwardly, the master switch MS fbeing operated into its closed position when thecontrol dial 550 is moved outwardly; the inwardandoutward movements of the control"dial ltdbein longitudinally of the operating shaft I59" and with respect to the front wa1l'I3. 7

As illustrated in Fig. [the hotv'later 's olenoid S i and the cold water solenoid of 'the'inlet valve mechanism 89- are indicated; the solenoids ISI' and I21 of the air valves IBI'and-IZ-I are indicated; the-solenoid 87 of the drain-valve '81 is indicated; andthe solenoids IOS and IIM ofthe clutchmechanisms I03Jand I04 are indicated "controlled by the bridging member I55 is concycle volts A; C. the terminals of whichare indicated at and the terminal being connected toa supply conductor I50 grounded in the machine It, the terminal being connected to a supply conductor I5I ungrounded in the machine It. One terminal of the master switch MS is connected to'the supplyconductor I5I and the other terminal thereof is connected to a supply conductor I 52; One terminal of each ofthe solenoids 94,55, 'I3I', I21, 812103 and I04, as well as one terminal of the motor I02, is connected to the supply conductorlfill. The control switch SI comprises two springs, one of which is connected to the supply conductor I52, and the otherof which is connected to the other terminal of the solenoid 55. The control switch SZ 'compIises two's'pringsfone of which is connected to the supply conductor I52, and the other of which is connected to the other terminal of the solenoid 95. The control switch S3 comprises two springs, onefof which is connected to the supply conductor I52Ja'ndthe other of which is connected to the other terminal'of the solenoid I3I'. The control switch S4 comprises two springs, one-of which is connectedto the supply conductor I52, and the other of which is connected to theother'terminal of the solenoid I21. The control switch-S5 comprises two springsfone of which is connected to the supply conductor I52, and the other of which is connected to the other terminal of the solenoid '81. The control switch S6 comprises two springs, one of which is connected to the supply conductor-I52,'- and the other of'which is connected ;to one'terminalof the switch I35, the other terminal of'the switch I35 being connectedto the other ter-minalof the solenoid H13. The control switch S1 comprises four springs, the first or lowermost or which is connected commonly to one terminal of the switch I36 and-to one terminalof the motor- I02,

the other terminal of the switch I35 being conspring thereof is connected to a' controlconductor I54." The push button switch I38 comprises two bridging membersf I55 and I56 respectively'controlling pairs of contacts. One of the contacts nected to thecontrol conductor I54, and the other contactofjthisfpair is connected' to the other terminal of thesolen'oid I21;lfwhi1e one of the contacts controlled by the bridging member is connected to the control conductor I54, and the other contact of: this pair is connected to the otherterminal of the solenoid I31.

Considering how the operation of the machine II) in conjunction with the manually governed circuit control network,zillustrated in '7,

Whenthe control dial I40 occupiesfits, normal oif position, the control cams CI C5, inclusive, operate the respectively associated control switche SI- to S6, inclusive, into,. their open positions, while thefcontrol cam C'lf operates'the" control switch S'Lsothat the contacts between the. first and second springs thereof are opened and the) contactsbetween the third andiourth' springs thereof are closed. Also, at thistime when the control dial I40 occupies its normal inward position the master switch MS is operated to its open position. Further, at this timethe push button switch I38 is normally biased to open the bridging members I55 and I55 with respect to the associated pairs of contacts. Accordingly, all of the electric circuits are open at this time.

' In order to wash a given load of clothes, the operator first rotates the handle 56 in order to unlatch the door I, whereupon the door 5I is moved to its open position. The clothes are then placed within the. compartment 6| through the opening 49 and hot or warm or cold-water is admitted into the compartment 6| as required by the character of the fabrics to be washed. Then an appropriate amount of detergent is placed in the wash water contained in the compartment SI, and the door 5| is returned to its closed position, whereby it is automatically latched securely in place by the latch mechanism 55.

In order to admit hot water into the compartment BI the user first rotates the control dial I40 into its hot fill position, the 40 position thereof with respect to the normal off" position thereof, and then moves the control dial. I40 outward- 1y. When the control dial I40 is rotated into its "hot fill position, the control cam C2 operates the control switch S2 to its closed position in order to preselect the circuit of the. hot water solenoid 95; the control cam C3 operates the control switch S3 to its closed position in order to preselect the circuit of the solenoid I-3I; and the control cam C1 operates the control switch S1 to open the contacts between the third and fourth springs thereof and to close the contacts between the first and second springs thereof. When the contacts between the third and fourth springs of the control switch S! are thus opened, the push button switch I38 is disabled for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter; and when the contacts between the first and second springs of thecontrol switch S! are thus closed, the circuits of the motor I02 and the solenoid I04 are preselected. When the control dial I40 is then moved outwardly, the master switch MS is closed connecting ,the supply conductor I5I to the supply conductor I52 in order to complete the previously selected circuits. Specifically, the circuit for operating the motor I02. is completed in order to initiate operation thereof; and the circuit for energizing the solenoid I04 is completed, assuming that less than a predetermined pressure of the compressed air in' the storage tanks I and I2I maintains at this time. so that the pressure responsive. switch I36 occupies its closed position. .Accordingly, the solenoid I04 is energized, whereby the clutch mechanism'IM is operatedjinto its clutched position, theoperating shaft of the motor I02 rotating the stub shaft tating stubshaft II 2, drives the stub shaft II3 through the fluid coupling unit I I5, whereby the operating shaft II8 of the, air compressor III is rotated causing the air compressor III- to take valve I prevents the compressed air contained in the storage tanks I20 and I H from leaking back through the conduit I24 into the casing I23 of the air compressor II'I' after operation of theair compressor H1 is subsequently arrested, in a well-known manner.

II2through the clutch mechanism I041 The ro-' Accordingly. as time proceeds the pressure of the compressed air in the storage tanks I20 and I2I is increased due to operation of the air compressor III, until a predetermined pressure of the air therein is reached, depending upon the setting of the pressure response of the snap switch I35; For reference purposes, it may be assumed that the pressure responsive switch I36 is set to operate at a, pressure of three atmospheres gauge of the. air in the storage tanks I20 and I2I. Hence, when the pressure of the air in the storage tanks I20 and HI is below three atmospheres gauge, the snap switch I36 occupies its closed position; and when a pressure of the air in the storage tanks I20 and I2I of three atmospheres gauge is reached, the switch I36 is snapped to its open position interrupting the circuit for energizing the solenoid I04 so that the clutch mechanism I04 is returned to its declutched position. Thereafter, in the event the pressure of the air in the storage tanks I20 and I2I falls below the three. atmospheres gauge, the switch I36 is returned with a snap action into its closed position in order again to complete the circuit for energizing the solenoid I04 so. as again to operate the clutch mechanism I04 to its clutched position. Thus, it will he understood that the pressure responsive switch I 38 comprises an adjustable pressure regulator maintaining the pressure or the air in the storage tanks I20 and I2I at the three atmospheres gauge so long as the motor I02 is operating. Moreover. it will be understood that the fluid drive unit [I5 accommodates slippage between the operating shaft of the motor 102 and the stub shaft [[3, and consequently the. operating shaft I I8 of the compressor III, whereby the fluid drive unit II5 also acts as a regulator to prevent the presence of an exceedingly high pressure of the air in thefstorage tanks I20 and I2I should, the pressure responsive switch I38 be. inadvertently set or adjusted to an inordinate and unreasonably high pressure.

Also, at this time the solenoid 95. of the inlet valve mechanism 83 is energized, whereby hot water is supplied from the hot water supply pipe 9| via the casing of'the inletv valve mechanism 89v and the inlet conduit. 82 to the. compartment BI. Further, the winding of the solenoid I31 is. energized in order toinsure that the exhaust valve I3.I occupies its open position venting the chamber 52 behind the diaphragm, 58 via the conduits I28 and I32, to the atmosphere. This atrangement insures that-the incoming water supplied to the compartment BI returns the diaphragm 58completely into its concave position atfthis time. Moreover, since the motor I02 is operating, the rotor of the drain pump 96 is ro tated so thatany water accumulating in the. drain fixture 86 ispumped via the casing 91 of the drain pump 96 and the, drain. pipe 101 to the exterior of the machine I0. Accordingly, at this time. should the user inadvertently fill the compartment GI to overflowing, the excess water therein falls through the overflow conduit 83 into the drain fixture 86 and is pumped by the drain pump 96 via the drain pipe I M to the exterior. This arrangement positively preventsv overflowing of the machine I0 and the consequent flooding of the-laundry room in which it is located.

After the user has filled the compartment H with a charge of wash water, she operates the control dial I40 into its inward position in order to operate-the master switch MS to its open position so as to interrupt the previously selected circuits. At this time operation of the motor I02 is arrested; the solenoid I04 is de-energized to effect operation of the clutch mechanism I04 to its declutched position; the solenoid I3I' is deenergized to efiect operation of the exhaust valve I3! to its closed position; and the hot water sole-v noid is de-energized to effect operation of the inlet valve mechanism 80 to its closed position.

In view of the foregoing description of the control of thecircuit network incident to filling of the compartment 6| .with hot water, it will be understood that the operation thereof is substantially identical incident to filling of the tub with Warm water or cool water. Specifically, when the control dial I40 isrotated to its.warm fill position, the 80 position thereof, the circuits of both of the solenoids 04 and 95 are preselected; and when the control :dial I40 is rotated to its cold fill position, the 120 position thereof, the circuit of only the cold water solenoid 94 is preselected. In either casethe preselected circuits are completed when the control dial I40 is ultimatelyoperated into its outward position.

After thecompartment BI has been filled with hot or warm or cold water in the manner previously explained, the control dial I40 is rotated into its wash position, the 160 position thereof, and is then operated into its outward position. Whenthe control dial I40 is rotated into its wash position, the control cam C3 operates the control switch S3 to preselect the circuit of the solenoid I35; the control cam C6 operates the control S5 to preselect the circuit of the solenoid I03";"'and the control camCl operates the control S1 to preselect the circuit of the motor I02 and the circuit of the solenoid I04. At this time when the control dial I40 is operated into its outward position the motor I02 is operated, and the clutch I04 is operated under the control of the pressure responsive switch I38. Also, the exhaust valve I3I is operated'to its open position, and the solenoidIOB is energized effecting operation of the clutch mechanism'l03 into its clutched position. Accordingly, the motor I02 effects rotation of the stub shaft I05 and the consequent rotation of the pulley I01, whereby the pulley it is rotated through the V-belt I09 efiecting rotation of the operating shaft II and the dasher plate I0 in the compartment 6 I. As previously explained, the dasher plate I0 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the front of the machine I0, the clockwise direction as viewed from the face thereof; whereby, the dasher plate It moves and rearranges the clothes containedin the compartment 6I formed in the tub 52 in a substantially circular upstanding path. Specifically, the dasher plate I0 lightly grasps the clothes as it is rotated unidirectionally in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5, by an angular shearing contact therewith and then quickly discharges the clothes in order that they are moved and rearranged in the substantially circular upstanding path,'as previously noted. This angular shearing contact with which the clothes are lightly grasped is effected largely by the disposition of the shallow tapered vanes I5, 18 and Tl'provided upon the front face of the dasher plate E0; while this quick discharge of the clothes from the front face of the dasher plate Ii! is materially facilitated by the shallow recess i8 disposedin the front face thereof and positioned between the vanes 16 and I1. I

Afterthe clothes have been washed by the ma chine I0 foran appropriate time interval, the

user returns; the control dial I40 into its inward position operating the master switch MS into its open positionin'o'rder to effect opening of all of the electric circuits as'previously' explained. At this time the. user may, open the door SI and examine the pclothes in, order to determine that they are washed tosatisfaction,again returning thedoor 51 toi'its closed position after the examinationldzln order to effect further washing of the clothes in the compartment GI, it is only necessary for the user againitoreturn the control dial I40 to :its outward position. On 'theother hand, assumin that the clothes are washed to the satisfactionof the user, the control dial I40 is rotated into its "drain position, the 200 position'thereof, and then. operated. into its outward pOSit1Qn-. "f' 1 1 When the control dial I40 is, rotated into its -drain" position the control cam C5 operates the control switch S5 topreselect thecircuit ofthe solenoid8l; andthe control cam G1 operates the control switch S1 to preselect the circuit of the motor I02 and ,thecircuit of the solenoid I041. When the control dial I40 is then operated into its outward position, the preselected circuits mentioned are completed. Specifically, the solenoid 87' is energized efi'ecting operation of the drain valve 81 into its open position :so that the wash water in-thecompartment BI is drainedvia the drain conduit GIinto the drain fixture 88, and is thenpumped by the operatingdrain pump 05 to the exterior, since the motor I02 is operating at this time Ordinarily, by this time the pressure, responsive switch I36 has -been operated to its 7 open position as a consequenceof the presence of the pressureof threeatmospheres gauge of the air in the; storage tanks I20 and I2I; however, at this time the circuit of the solenoid I04 is otherwise preselected and is completed in the event the pressure responsive switch I36 should.

happen zt o;oc oupy its closed position. However, for the purposaof explanation, it may be assumed that during the filling and washing steps, the opsqueeze' position, the 240? position thereof, and

then; returned to its outward position.

-When the control dial I40, isrotate d into its squeeze positiom the control cam C4 operates the switch S4 to preselect the circuit of the solenoid I21; the control cam C5 operates the con trol switch S5 to preselectthe circuit ofthe solenoid 81;.and the'control cam C'I opera'testhe control switchSI; to preselect the circuit of the operating motor5l02 and the circuit of the solenoid l04'. When the control dial I40 is then operated into its outward position, the master switch MS -is, .closed, completing the preselected circuits noted, fthe completion of the circuit of the solenoid I04',beingiunder the direct control of the pressurerre sponsive switch I36, as previously notedig Specifically, thexinlet valve I2I'is operated, into its openposition while the exhaust valve I3I occupies its closed'position. Accordingly, thecompressed air in .the storage tanks I20 and I2I 'is 'admitted into the conduit I28 and consequently into the chamber 62 in order to move the diaphragm ia from its normal concave position into its operated convex position; whereby, the diaphragm 58exerts a squeezing action upon amazes the clothes in the compartment 561', the clothes being squeezed between the .diaphragmzit .and the plate 53 and the dasher plate 10. The absorbed wash water in the clothesis expressed therefrom into the space and Iallsthrough the drain conduit 61 and is pumpedtoithe exterior by the drain pump 96, the drain valve 01 occupying its open position and the motor 02ibeing operated at this time. During the time that the diaphragm 58 is exerting a squeezing action-upon the clothes in thecompartment 6|,the door 5| is retained in its closed position, the'door 5i being retained in its closed positionby thelatchmechanism 55. I

When the inlet valve I21 is thus operated into its open position, the pressure in the system, including the storage tanks I20 and HI and the chamber 62, with the diaphragm 58 in its 'operated convex position, quickly equalizespwhereby it is not ordinarily necessar to retain the-control dial I40 in its squeeze position for aigreat length of time; however, should the control dial I40 be retained in its "squeeze" position a considerable length of time, there would be :a tendency for the operating compressor II'I further to increase the pressure in the system-including the storage tanks I20 and I2I and the chamber "62 behind the diaphragm 58 in" its operated convex position. In order to prevent this pressure in-the system from rising to an inordinate and undesirably high pressure the safety valve 133 may b8, adjusted to a pressure of approximately 1% atmospheres gauge. Accordingly,- the-operation of the compressor H1 at lthistime is ineii'ectiv'e to increase the pressure in the system a'bove the pressure of 1 atmospheres gauge, sincethe safety valve 133 acts as-"a poppetor relief valve passing the excess air-to theatmospli'e're Of course, it will be understood that-wheh'thednlet valve I2! is operated to its open-'posi-tibn thatthe pressure in the storage tanks 12 am I'ZIimme diately falls causing the pressure responsive switch I36 to be operated to its "closed position energizing the solenoid I'04'fto -'eifect operation of the clutch mechanism-i04 into its'clutched position andthe consequent operation p: tlieccmpressor III from the operating-motorfl'ill' 7 Also it is noted that when'a positive-game pressure is present in the conduit-I28; the -pressure responsive switch I35 'is oilfiratedintodts i open position inorder to interrupt-afiurtherjpoint in the circuit of the solenoid I03 so a posmveiy to prevent operation of the clutchimechanism ifl into its clutched positiomwhen thereis aposit'ive pressure in the-conduit i2 8 and consequentlys'in the chamber 62. This arrangement positively prevents operation of the dasher plate T0 :while the diaphragm 50 occupiesits operated convex position effecting squeezing oi "the" clothes against the dasher plate 10; This arrangement is very advantageous as it positively prevents inadvertent operation of thedasher platej'I'G whi1e=thec1othes in the compartment .cimare undergoing the squeezing action, as operation of the dashe'r plate I0 at this time would damage the c'lot'i'iesw Accordingly, after the contiiol-dialltfl'has been operated intolits squeeze position and-then-operated into:.its 'outward position Io'ria short tinre interval, it. may .be 'returnedto its iIl'WaTd position in order to cause operation ofrt'he masterswitch MS into its open position. 'fIhelcontroldial H0 is then rotated intoitszihold! position, the' m position thereof, and :is. then operated djnto its outward position. Ate-this time the control cameffects operation? 'ofcontrol switch S5 so that the circuit of the solenoid 81' is preselected; and the. control cam '01 eiiects operation of the. control switch 51 so that the circuit 'of the motor 102 .and the circuit of the solenoid I04 are preselected. Thus the drain valve '87 occupies its open position so that the water-expressed from the clothes in the compartmentBI is drained'into the drain conduit 61 and pumped by the operating drain pump 36 to the exterior. Also, theimotor I02 is operated, and the clutch mechanism I04 is operated to its closed position in order to effect operation of the air compressor 1 I1 so that the operation or the air compressor I IIis again placed under control of the pressure responsive switch I36 in the manner previouslyexplained. At this time when the control dial I40 occupies its hold" position the inlet valve I21 occupies its closed position and the exhaust valve I3I occupies its closed position, whereby the communication between the storage tanks I20 and I2I and the chamber 62 is cut otf by the inlet valve I2I and thecommunication between the chamber 52 and the atmosphere is cut oii bythe exhaust valve I3I. Accordingly, the air compressor I I! may proceed with its operation to raise the pressure of the compressed air in the storagetanks I20 and'I2I back toward the three atmospheres gauge previously noted; and the air in the chamber is trapped therein at the 1 atmospheres gauge previously noted so as to hold the diaphragm 53 'in its operated convex position in order to hold the squeezing action upon the clothes in the compartment SI. This hold operationof' the'ina'chine I 0 requires no supervision by the user and may proceed for a suitable time interval, normally four minutes being suflicient.

At the conclusionof the hold operation, the control dial I40 is returned to its inward position and then rotated into its release position, the 320 position thereof, and then returned to its outwardposition. When the control dial I40 is rotated into, its release position, the control ,cam C3 operates the control switch S3 to preselect the circuit of the solenoid I3I'; the control cam C5 operates the control switch S5 to preselect the circuit of the solenoid 01'; and the control cam C1 operates the control switch S1 to ,preselect the circuit of the motor I02 and the circuit of the solenoid I04. When the control dial I40 is operated to its outward position, the preselected circuits mentioned are completed, whereby the motor I02 operates effecting operation of the air compressor II I since the clutch mechanism I04 is operated into its clutched position. The drain' 'valve 81 is operated into its open position in order that any residual wash water in the compartment 6| may be pumped by th p r tin dr in-p mp 96 to the exterior; and the exhaust valve -I3I is operated to its open position in order to exhaust to the atmosphere the compressed air in the chamber 62 so that the diaphragm 58 may collapse from its operated convex position back into its normal concave-position due to the weight of the clothes in the compartment 6i. Of course, when the exhaust valve -I 3I is thus opened the pressure in the compartment 62 i relieved to atmospheric pressure; whereby, the pressure in the conduit t2aza'gain falls to zero atmospheres gauge pressure causing the pressure responsive switch I to be returned into its closed position so as again to condition the circuit of the solenoid I03 of the clutch mechanism I 03. At this time the control dial I-is returned 'to its inward position,

17 and then rotated into its ofi position, the 360 or position thereof.

When the control dial M0 is thus returned to its off position the control cam Cl operates the switch S1 in order to open the contacts between the first-and second springs thereof and to close the contacts between the third and fourth springs thereof. This operation of the control switch S1 prepares the circuit extending to the push button switch I38. Thus when the control dial M0 occupies its oif position, the circuits extending to the push button switch I33 are prepared. Accordingly, in the event the push'button switchl38 is operated at this time, circuits are completed for energizing the solenoids IN and lSl', whereby the inlet valve l2? and the exhaust valve it! are operated to their open positions. This arrangement effects the complete release of pressure in the system, including thestorage tanks I and l2l, the conduit I28 and the compartment 62 disposed behind the diaphragm 58. While it is not necessary to release the pressure of the compressed air stored in the tanks I20 and I2! after operation of the machine it, this may be accomfl plished if desired as a result of momentary oper ation of the push button I38 when the control dial Hill occupies its off position, as :explained above. The arrangement does permit the complete reduction of pressure in the storage tanks 20 and |2| and is, of course, useful when it is desired t make necessary adjustment or repairs of the machine in involving the storage tanks I20 and I21}v Continuing now with the operation of the machine IU, it will be understood that after a wash operation has been performed and the wash water has been squeezed from the clothes, all as explained above, the user of the machine may effect an appropriate rinsing operation. Specifically, the user may rotate the control dial 140 sequentially into its warm fill position, thereafter into its 'wash position, and then into its-drain position, its fsqueeze position, its hold position, its release position, and ultimately backinto its oil position in order to cause the machine Ill to be operated in a manner substantially identical to that previously described so as to carry out the warm water rinsing operation upon the clothes in the compartment 6| in the tub i2. After the user has operated the machine it! to carry out a warm water rinsing operation, as immediately described above, she may repeat the manipulations explained in order to cause the machine iii-to carry out a subsequent cold water rinsing operation. The over-all operation of the machine to carry out a washing operation followed by a warm water rinsingoperation and then by a cold water rinsing operation is very advantageous as itpositively insuresthat all detergent is removed from the clothes undergoing the over-all washing operation. Moreover, the warm water rinsing op-- phragm 58 is operated so as toiexpress the cold' rinse water from the clothes contained in the compartment ,6 I Accordingly, after completion of the cold water rinsingoperation and the release of the diaphragm 58, the door 5i may be opened and the clothes may be removed from the compartment 6| and transferredto a drying machine in order to prepare the clothes for ironing.

Reconsidering the operation of the machine i ii, it will'be appreciated that utilization may be made of the gas law: P1V1:=P2V2 so that when the inlet'valve I2! is operated into its open position the required pressure is automatically established in the system including the storage tanks 328 and [2i and the chamber 62 behind the diaphragm 53 so as to force the diaphragm 58 'toward the plate 63 and the dasher plate 10 in order to bring about immediately the desired squeezing pressure upon the clothes in the compartment 6!. For example, in the event the combined volume of the storage tanks I20 and l2l is substantially equal to the volume of the chamber 62 when the diaphragm 58 occupies its operated convex position, it will be appreciated that upon equalization of the pressure in the system a presi253 and 12! will obtain a final pressure of one atmosphere gauge in the system upon operation of the inlet valve I27 into its open position under the conditions noted. As a matter of construction and arrangement, it is preferred that an,

ultimate pressure of about 1 atmospheres gauge is obtained inthe chamber-62 immediately upon opening of the inlet valve [21 and that the initial pressure in the storage tankslzil andv [2| is approximately three atmospheres gauge, whereby it may be calculated that the combined volume of thestorage tanks I29 and i2] should be approximately 1.67 times the volume of the chamber 52 when the diaphragm 58 occupies its operated convex position under the conditionsv explained. v I

Of course, it will be appreciated that in the event the desired initial pressure is not maintained in the storage tanks I20 and I?! the resulting pressure in the system will be somewhat below that desired immediately when the valve [21 is operated to its open position; however, the-pressure in the system continues to rise by virtue of continued operation of the compressor ill and until the desired pressure in the system is obtained by virtue of the setting of the adjustable safety valvel3i., I

Now considering the semi-automatically governed circuit network illustrated in Fig. 8, the program selector switch 23l'is-provided with eight insulating control cams C! to C8,- inclusive, rigid- 1y secured to the operating shaft 239 thereof, that respectively cooperate with eight control switches SI to S8, inclusive.v Also, the operating shaft 239 of the program selector switch 231 is capable of limited longitudinal movement and cooperates with a master switch MS, whereby the master program selector switch 23? further comprises a timer motor 256, speed reduction gearing-251 and an overrunning friction clutch Z52 operatively shaft 239 and with connected to :the :operating .fshaft 3.239- thereof- Specifically, :the itimer :motor. 250 is, of the synchronous type zprovided with: a .rotor having an operat'mg shaft,-not:shown,connected to: the speed reductiongearing 2.5!; and .thespeed reduction earing 25! is operativelyzconnected 'to one of the :clutch plates of .theuoverrunning 'clutch' 252, the 1 other clutch. plate of :the overrunning: clutch :252:being'Jconnectedtoithe:extreme inner end of the;operatingtshaft'239. .Theoverrunning clutch 252 permits'rotation of theoperating shaft 239 by thexrmanual,.controlldialiflflindependently of the timer motor .250. On the. other hand, .operation .of=the.itimer motor Zitllreffects 'rotationof the operating shaft'239 atra .controlled and timed rate through the speed reduction gearing 25! andthe overrunning :clutch 252 in an obvious manner.

:iiThe generalzconnection and arrangement of thezmaster :switch .MS .and the control switches Si 110: S1, inclusive, in the program selector switch 231 are thesame as those in the program selector :switch I31 previously described in con- :junction with Fig. .7.. Howevenin the program selector switch 231 the'additional control switch S8 that is operated bythe additional control cam C8 .is arranged to govern the additional timer motor 25O that is incorporated in-the program'selector switch-131. Specifically, the con- .trolswitchSB comprises two springs, one of which is 'connected to'the supply conductor 152, and the other of which'is connected to one terminal of the timer motor 250, the'oth'er terminal of the timer motor T250 being connected to thesupply conductor I50. The general operation '1 the semi-automatic control network "disclosed in Fig. '8 is fundamentally =the same as=the manual control network disclosed in Fig. 7,- except'that the rotation of'the operating shaft I'M-thereof from the first control position thereof, the 72 position thereof, back into the off"'position thereof, the 360 or=0-position thereof, is carried out automaticallyby'the timer motor 250 under the control of thecontrol switch S8 governed by the control cam C8.

Specifically, *the filling of the compartment 6| with hot water or warm water or cold water is governed manually in the same manner as that previously described in conjunction with the cir- I cuit control network disclosed in Fig. 7. In Fig. 8, the hot fill position, the warm fill position, and the cold fill position of the program selector switch I31 are respectively illustrated at the 24, 40 and"56 positions thereof; while the first control position of the program selector switch 23'! is illustrated at the 72 position thereof. Accordingly, when the control dial 240 is rotated into its'first control position, the 72 position thereof, the control cam C8 operates the control switch SBZtoits closed position in order to preselect the circuit of the timer motor 250. Further, the control cam 08 operates .the control switch S6 to preselect the circuit. of the solenoid I03 as previously explained. .At this time when the control dial 243 lSfIIlOVEd'tO its outward position, the preselectedcircuits mentioned are closed by virtue of the operation-of the master switch MS into its closed position. Accordingly, the timer motor 250, upon operating, rotatesthe operating'shaft 239 at the predetermined timed rate further in the clockwise direction from its first control position back into its off position. When the operatingshaft 239.0ftheprogram selector switch 231 .is thus. returned backinto its .0 position,

thencntrol camCB'operates .the control switch. S8 into its open position interrupting the :circuit. for the .timer11noto1n250 in1order to .arrestfurtheroperationof'theprogram'selector S\Vitchr231. Also, at .thistime the other controlcams Ci toCI, inclusive, selectively Operate the respectively associated controlswitchessl 0051, inclusive, in order to'interrupt .all of the electric circuits and to returnzthe circuit networkinto its normal or off position, inza=manner substantially identical to that. :explained .in conjunction with .the circuit controlnetwork illustratedinFig. 7.

In 'view of ;the;for.egoing,-it will .be'understood that when automatic operation of the'program selector switch '23! isiinitiated -in its. first control :position, the 72:position thereof, that it' is operated continuously and automatically back into its 'off position, the .360" :01 10 position thereof, during a predetermined time: interval by the'timermotorizfiil,whereby theicontrol cams CI to Cl, inclusive, selectively operate the respectively associated control switches SI 'toSL .inelusive, in order :to :bring about "an :automatic timed cycle of the machine I0.

It will be :observed that the first "control" or wash position 'of'the control dial 249 of the program selector switch 231 extends from the 72 position "thereof to the 1-152 position thereof, covering an: arc of: 80 and a corresponding time interval of tenminutea'since the' rate of operation ofttheitimerrmotor'250icorresponds to 8 of rotation per minute 'of 'the operating shaft 239. Accordingly, incident 'to rotation of the control dial 240 into its first control position, it may be selectively set :in ."any position thereof between the 72 position thereof Tandithe 152 position thereof, x'thereby preselecting an adjustable time interval: for the wash 'cycle :within the ten minutes-range. Toriexamples, initial-rotation crime control dial 24.0 .into :the.72 and -80'positions thereof respectivelyrcorrespond to washing times of-ten' minutes and nineminutes. Thus when the user operates the control diall w into its "first control,position,-shealso sets the desired washing timewithin the'tenminutesrange as'noted above;prior to operation of "the :controlxdial 240 intoits outward position.

As illustrated infFig. 38;the' washing cycle 'comprisingawash stepo'f a maximum time duration of-tenminutes, azfollowing drain step of four minuteawhereinthe initial wash water is drained fromi'the'compartment 8|, followed by a squeeze step :of :oneminute. Thereafter, the diaphragm is retained in its operated convex position during'a hold step of four minutes; thereafter a releasestepof minute is effected in order to insurethat'the diaphragm 58 is released from-its operated convexposition and returned back to its normal-concave position. At this time a warm fill step is carried out for three minutes, during which time the compartment 6| is filled with warm water, some overflowing of'the compartment .6I being obtained in=the three minutes time interval. At the conclusion of the warm fill step,

21 duration of two minutes, wherein any curds or scum is overfiowed from the compartment 6| into the overflow conduit 83.

This step also comprises a, deep cold water overflow rinsing step; and at the conclusion of this step, a drain step of four minutes is carried out followed by a squeeze step of one minute. Then a squeeze hold step of four minutes is effected, whereby excess rinse wateris squeezed by the operated diaphragm 58 from the clothes contained in the compartment 6!. Finally, a release step of minute is carried out and then the operating shaft 239 of the program selector switch 231 is returned to its off position. Thus the total time interval of the automatic cycle of the machine Hi that is governed by the timer motor 250 comprises thirty-six minutes; and normally the compartment 6i may be filled with initial wash water in a time interval of approximately two minutes, whereby the over-all semi-automatic cycle of the machine It may comprise a time interval of approximately thirty-eight minutes.

In the foregoing description of the operation of the machine It in conjunction with the semiautomatic control network disclosed in Fig. 8, the details of the operations of the various component elements of the electric circuit and the machine I!) have been omitted in the interest of brevity as it will be understood that the operations thereof are in no way essentially different from that of the same elements in the manual control circuit network described fully in conjunction with Fig. 7.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided a portable clothes washing machine that is especially suitable for use in apartments, or the like; which machine is of rugged and economical construction and arrangement and thatembodies both washing and water extracting facilities, and is of efficient operation and of attractive appearance and design. Also, it will be understood that the improved construction and arrangement of the water extracting facility, including the movable diaphragm, in combination with the washing facility, including the unidirectionally rotated dasher plate, lends itself particularly well to both manual control and semi-automatic control, as well as fully automatic control, in a ready manner involving a simplified electric control network. Finally, it will be appreciated that the arrangement comprising the compressed air storage tanks increases the operating efficiency of the machine in that the compressed air may be stored for subsequent use during portions of the cycle of operation of the machine in which there are no heavy loads otherwise imposed upon the electric drive motor, whereby there is distributed more uniformly throughout the cycle of the machine the loads upon the electric drive motor.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: v

1. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to contain clothes and Wash liquid, mechanism operative to produce a washing action upon the clothes in said tub, means for selectively controlling the draining of the Wash liquid from said tub, a flexible diaphragm ar- 22 ranged in said tub and movable from a normal position into an operated position to produce'a squeezing action upon the clothes in said tub in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, and means defining a chamber adjacent to said diaphragm and adapted to receive fluid under pressure in order to move said diaphragm from its normal position into its operated position; the combination comprising a storage tank, a compressor operative to compress air and to de-- liver it under pressure into said storage tank, an electric motor, first control means for selec tively operating said mechanism from said motor, pressure responsive means controlled by the pressure of the air in said storage tank for selectively operating said compressor from said motor to maintain substantially a predetermined pressure of the air in said storage tank, valve means selectively operative to connect said chamber to said storage tank and to the atmosphere, and second control means for selectively operating said valve means, the volume of said storage tank and the volume of said chamber when said diaphragm is in its operated position being so correlated that said predetermined pressure of the air in said storage tank is substantially produc-j tive of a desired squeezing pressure of the air in said chamber when said chamber is connected to said storage tank. t

2. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted'to contain clothes and wash liquid. mechanism operative-to produce a washing action upon the clothes in said tub, means for selectively controlling the draining of the Wash liquid from said tub, a flexible diaphragm arranged in said tub and movable from a normal position into an operated position to produce a squeezing action upon the clothesin said tub in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, and means defining a chamber adjacent to said diaphragm and adapted toreceive fluid'under pressure in order to move said diaphragm from its normal position into its operated position; the combination comprising a storage tank, a compressor operative to compress air and to deliver it under pressure into said storage tank an electric motor, means for selectively operating said mechanism from said motor, pressure responsive means for selectively operating said compressor from said motor to maintain substantially a first predetermined pressure of the air in said storage tank, and valve means for selectively connecting said chamber to said storage tank and to the atmosphere, said diaphragm in its operated position producing a predetermined desired squeezing action upon the clothes in said tub in response to therein.

a second predetermined pressure of the air in said chamber, the volume of said :storage tank and the volume of said chamber when said diaphragm'is in its operated position being so correlated that the pressure of the air in said storage tank falls from said first predetermined presintman operated position toproducea squeezing action ,uponethe, .clothes in-saidtub in order to express. the washxliquid therefrom, and means defining a fluid-tight chamber adjacent to said diaphragm, said diaphragm beingmovedfrom its normalposition intoits operated position inresponse to the supply of fluid into said chamber and beingmoved from its operated position into its normalposition in response to the discharge Of ,fiuid from said chamber; the combination comprising a storage tank, .a compressor operative to compress .air and to .deliver it under pressureinto said storagetank, an electric motor, first control means for selectively operating saidmechanismfmm said motor, pressure responsive. meanscontrolled by the pressure of the air in said storage tank for selectively operating said compressor fromsaid motor to maintain substantially a predetermined pressure of the air insaid storagetank, a first valve operative to connect said storage tank to said chamber in order to. supply airthereto, a second valve operative to connect. said chamber to the atmosphere in .order ,todischarge air therefrom, and second control means. forselectively operating said first and second valves,..the volume of said storage tank andthe volume ofsaid chamber when said diaphragm .is in its operated position being so correlated that said predetermined pressure of the air. insaidstorage tank is substantially produotive .of a desired squeezing pressure of the air in'said chamber when .said storage tank is connectedtosaidchamber.

.4. 'In..a .clothes. washing machine including a tub adapted to contain. clothes and wash liquid, mechanismoper-ative .toproduce a washing actionupon the. clothes in.said.tub,,means for selectively controlling the. draining ofthe wash liquld from said tub, ,a .fiexible. diaphragm. arranged in said tub and movable from a normal position into anoperated position to produce a squeezing .action upon the clothes in said tub in order to express the .wash liquid therefrom, and'means defining -a fluidtight chamber adjacent to said diaphragm, said diaphragm being moved from its normal position into its operated position in response to-thesupply of fluid into said chamber and being moved from its operated position intoits normal position in response to the discharge of fluid 'from'said chamber; the combination comprising'a storage tank, acompressor operative to'compress air and to deliver it: under pressure into said storage tank, an electric motor, first controlmeans for-selectivelyoperating said mechanism from said motor, pressure responsive means controlled by the pressure of the air-.in said storage tank for selectively operating said compressor from said motor to maintain substantially a, predetermined pressure of the :air in-said storage tank, a first valve operative to connectsaid storage tank to said chamber inorder to supply air thereto, a second valve operative to connect said chamber to the atmosphere in order :to dischargeair therefrom, secand controlimeans forselectively operating said first and second valves, and a pressure-responsiverelief valveconnected between saidchamber and the atmosphere and controlled by the pressure of ,the-air, in said chamber in order to limit thepressure of the air therein so as to limit the squeezing action produced by said diaphragm upon/the clothes. in:said tub, the-volume of said storage tank and-the volume of said-chamber when saiddiaphragmis in its operatedposition beingso correlated .that said predetermined pressu e of the:airiinesaldstcre e tank is substantially productive :ci .;a ,desired squeez n pressure of the air in said chamber Whensaid storage tankisconnected to. said chambe .5. In ,a clothes washing machine including .a tub adapted. to containclothes and wash liquid. mechanism-generative:toproduce a Washingaction upon the clothes in said tub, means for selectively controllin the drainin of :the wash liquidfrom said tub, ;a. flexible diaphragm :arranged in said tub and; movable. from;.a.:normal .positioninto an perated position :to produce a squeezing action upon the clothes --in asaid :tub .in :order to express the Wash liquild ztherefrom, and meansdefining achamberadjacenttosaid diaphragm and adapted to receive :fiuid under-pressure in order to movesaiddiaphragm-from its normal position into. its operatedposition; the combination comprisinga'istoragetank,-a compressor operative to compress air. and to deliver itunder pressure into said storage tank, an electric motor, meansfor operating said motor, a first clutch arranged between said motor and said mechanism, first control means for selectively engaging and disengaging saidfirst clutch, asecond clutch arranged between said motor and said compressor, pressure responsive means controlled by the pressure of the air insaid storage tank forselectively en gaging and disengaging said second clutch to maintain substantially a predetermined pressure of the air in saidstorage tank, valve means selectively operative'to connect said chamber to said storage tank and to the atmosphere, and second control means for selectively operating said valve means, the volume of said storage tank and the volume of'said chamberwhensaiddiaphragm is in its operated position being so correlated that said predetermined pressure of the air in said storage tank is substantially productive of a desired squeezing pressure of the ;air in; sai'd chamber when said chamber is connected to said storagetank.

6. Ina clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid. mechanism operativeto produce a washing action upon the clothes in said tub, means for selectively controlling the draining of the wash liquid from said tub, a flexible diaphragm arranged in said-tub and movable from a normal position. into an operated position to produce a squeezing action upon the clothes in said tub in order-toexpress the wash liquid therefrom, and means defininga fluid-tight chamber adjacent to said diaphragm,.said diaphragm being moved fromits normalposition'into its operated position in response to the supply of fluid into said chamber and being moved-from its operated position into its .normal position in response to the-discharge of fluid from said chamber; the combinationcomprising-a storage tank, a compressor operative to compress air and to deliver it under pressureinto said storage'tank, an electric motor, first control means for selectively operating, saidmechanism from said motor, pres-. sure responsive means controlled by the pressure of the air in said-storagetank for selectively operating said compressorfronrsaid motor to maintain substantially a predetermined pressure of the air in said storage tanlna first valve operative to connect said storag tank to said-chamber in order to supply-air thereto, a second valve operativeto connect saidcharnber to theatmosphere in order to discharge airtherefromacontroller having three positions and operative into its.,first ,position to operatesaidfirst andsecond valves into their respective open and closed positions and operative into its second position to operate said first and second valves into their closed positions and operative into its third position to operate said first and second valves into their respective closed and open positions, and second control means for selectively operating said controller into its different positions, the volume of said storage tank and the volume of said chamber when said diaphragm is in its operated position being so correlated that said predetermined pressure of the air in said storage tank is substantially productive of a desired squeezing pressure of the air in said chamber when said storage tank is connected to said chamber.

7. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid, mechanism operative to produce a. washing action upon the clothes in said tub. means for selectively controlling the draining of the wash liquid from said tub, a flexible diaphragm arranged in said tub and movable from a normal position into an operated position to produce a squeezing action upon the clothes in said tub in order to express the wash liquid therefrom. and means defining a chamber adjacent to said diaphragm and adapted to receive fluid under pressure in order'to move said diaphragm from its normal position into its operated position; the combination comprising a storage tank, a compressor operative to compress air and to deliver it under pressure into said storage tank, an electric motor, first control means for selectively operating said mechanism from said motor, pressure responsive means controlled by the pressure of the air in said storage tank for selectively operating said compressor from said motor to maintain subto said storage tank.

in said storage tank, a fluid coupling mechanism arranged between said motor and said compressor for limiting the pressure of the air delivered by said compressor into said storage tank, valve means selectively operative to connect said chamber tosaid storage tank and to the atmosphere, and second control means for selectively operating said valve means, the volume of said storage tank and the volume of said chamber when said diaphragm is in its operated position being so correlated that said predetermined pressure of the air in said storage tank is substantially productive of a desired squeezing pressure of the air in said chamber when said chamber is connected GEORGE P. CASI'NER.

REFERENCE 5 CITE!) The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,547,266 Robe July 28, 1925 1,849,283 Crane 1 Mar. 15, 1932 1,985,485 Crane Dec. 25, 1934 2,017,802 Hume Oct, 15, 1935 2,093,589 Geldhof et al Sept. 21, 1937 v 7 2,187,770 Chamberlin et al. Jan. 23, 1940 2,317,119 Stevens Apr. 20, 1943 2,325,837 Dyer Aug. 3, 1943 2,389,348 Dustin Nov. 20, 1945 2,417,998 Wales Mar. 25, 1947 2,455,043 Calhoun Nov. 30, 1948 2,472,682 Rand June 7, 1949 2,478,188 Gibson Aug. 9, 1949 

